F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo says there's one thing he dislikes about F1

Daniel Ricciardo wouldn't trade his day job for any other, yet there's one current aspect of Formula 1 which he - like many others - regrets.

A seven-time Grand Prix winner, Ricciardo is among the sport's most popular drivers.

And the Aussie's big smile hasn't become les appealing to the fans despite his demotion to the mid-field following his high-profile switch from Red Bull to Renault.

"I think for me, growing up in Australia, in sunshine, it turns your personality into a bit of happiness," Ricciardo told talk show host Trevor Noah on The Daily Show when asked about his ever-present lightheartedness.

"I'm doing my dream job, you have to be reminded sometimes. You get so competitive and so caught up in it that you do forget… like a little bit of perspective.

"It is my dream job, like I travel the world to drive cars in circles which is pretty awesome - I mean there are some turns here and there."

However, as impassioned as he is with the sport, Ricciardo unsurprisingly bemoans the fact that F1 is still too much about who has the fastest car.

"It's probably the one thing I dislike about my chosen profession," he admitted.

"Unfortunately, it's not like tennis, where you can only blame the racket so much. It [F1] is very equipment dependent. But that's the sport, and your job is to put yourself in the best team to get the best equipment.

"It's like a technology battle with the manufacturers. It's crazy but you know, I think to get on the grid with like twenty drivers, that's obviously an achievement in itself.

"But then you obviously want to be the best and get yourself to the top."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

McLaren to review Sunday's fateful pit stop timing

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about its…

11 mins ago

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

1 hour ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

2 hours ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

3 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

5 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

19 hours ago